330 THE angler's guide. 



The Horse and Groom Subscription-House 

 is most pleasantly situated a short distance from Lea- 

 bridge, close to the river-side, commanding extensive 

 views over the marshes to Walthamstow, Epping- 

 Forest, Low-Layton, &c. To the latter place is a 

 charming ride, in Summer, over the marshes, particu- 

 larly during hay-making ; after which season, the 

 marshes are well stocked with oxen, cows, horses, 

 and other cattle, which much enliven the scene 

 during the remainder of the Summer. The Horse 

 and Groom being so short a distance from the me- 

 tropolis (about three miles and a half only,) induces 

 the lovers of angling and rural scenery often to visit 

 this house, which may be done with little expense, 

 either of time or money ; the Clapton stages coming 

 within a half mile of Lea-bridge, every hour in the 

 day, from nine in the morning till nine at night, 

 thereby enabling the London Angler to enjoy his 

 favourite amusement for a few hours daily, of which 

 he would otherwise be deprived, from the distance of 

 other waters. 



Although this water contains a great variety of fine 

 Fish, and possesses so many holes, swims, and sources 

 for their protection, feed, &c. yet I must not hide from 

 my readers that it requires much skill to kill Fish 

 here, for the Fish are so well fed by nature, that 

 they are not easily induced to take a bait, unless of 

 the most choice kind, and attached to the best and 

 finest tackle j and again, as birds grow wild and shy 

 by being frequently shot at, so the Fish, in this and 



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